The current status of etched porcelain veneer restorations

Since its introduction 10 years ago, the etched porcelain veneer restoration has performed exceedingly well. The union of etched porcelain, composite resin cement, and etched enamel has proven over this time to be an exceptionally durable and highly esthetic restoration. The author has placed more than 5,000 etched porcelain veneer restorations over the past 10 years, but has had to replace less than two percent of these restorations because of clinical failure. If properly constructed and placed, this restoration has the potential to survive the hostile oral environment at least as long as any other dental restoration, if not longer. This restoration should now be considered the modality of choice for many conditions that might previously have been treated with full coverage or direct composite bonding.